A MUM has slammed a school who put her son in isolation for an ‘extreme haircut’ despite picturing a girl on its website with a similar style.

Twelve-year-old Lemar-Shea Simpson went to Eastwood Academy, Leigh, last Monday sporting cornrows, but was immediately placed in isolation.

His mum, Selina Byatt, was told the haircut is considered “extreme” but spotted a female pupil pictured on the school website with a similar haircut, although slightly longer. The picture has now been removed.

Selina is claiming the school is unappreciative of her son’s culture.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it, Lemar is dual-heritage and has afro hair. Anyone who has afro hair, or has seen Lemar’s will know he doesn’t have too many options in terms of style, and he definitely can’t just run a comb through it in the morning.

“He knew his hair was quite scruffy and looked a bit of a mess, all the other kids at school had pointed that out to him. But he was so happy with the cornrows, and as far as I am concerned he looked ten times smarter.

“He actually wanted to go to school on Monday. It is a very common haircut.

“And then I go on the school website, and their is a girl with the same hair cut, of course hers is longer, it looks like it probably has extensions in, surely that is just as bad?”

A spokesman for the school said: “The Academy’s uniform policy states that the following in respect to hairstyles: ‘Extremes of hairstyle are not permitted’ ...‘With regard to the interpretation of these rules the Academy’s decision is final’.

“The Academy deems that the particular hairstyle, as worn by the male pupil in question, is ‘extreme’ and therefore sanctions were issued in line with the Academy’s policy.

“All reasonable efforts were made to contact the parent and explain the position but she has taken the decision not to send him to school.

"The parent was also offered the opportunity to write to the relevant Academy committee responsible for reviewing the uniform policy on an annual basis.

"To date, no correspondence has been received.”